Franklyn Institute and Academy of Natural Sciences

Lunch - After we finished the second floor it was time for lunch so we headed for foodworks.  It was okay museum food, I had a pre-made sandwich which was pretty good, well for a pre-made sandwich.  I'm sure that there are better restaurants in the are but this was convenient.

After lunch we moved on to the first floor where the Kid Science, Space Command, and The Train Factory were.  Kid science was a lot of fun.  It's like a children's museum without the ciaos.    The Kids area had a nautical theme and Tavish really liked playing on the boat.

The train area was okay and maybe it would be better if the train had been moving.  There is a real train which people can go on but for some reason it was not working (I'm not sure how the train moves but apparently it does).

To round off the first floor was Space Command.  I must say that this space area was not overly memorable. Tavish and this other boy did have a great time sending marbles into orbit.

To wrap up the Franklyn Institute we headed to the third floor to Sports Challenge.  This exhibit is very similar to the one at the Science Center in Toronto.  Regardless it was a lot of fun.  I had a great time surfing and climbing oh and so did Tavish.

Figure Skating - Spin Spin Spin

Surfs Up

On Belay

Overall the Franklyn Institite is a MUST see in Philly.  I can't wait to go back.  That cannot be said for the Academy of Natural Science, it was BORING.  The dinosaurs were okay but the rest of the museum was lame.  I would not suggest going to this museum unless you buy the City Pass and have time to kill.

Franklyn Institute - Amazing, Change and Dinosaurs

There were still a few things to see on the second floor and we had bought tickets to see a dinosaur 3D movie.  After the Air Show we moved on to the Changing Earth.  Changing Earth was the least interesting area of this museum for young kids but it is the most environmentally friendly and educational.

Next we moved on to Amazing Machines - there were a few hands on machines that were really interesting when we got the chance to use them. 

• Mommy Rant:  Even when a museum is not busy, please make sure your child SHARES the hands on exhibits.  One minute or two tops if some other child wants to play and it's up to the PARENT to tell their child they need to share.

Tavish found the crane to be interesting but he was a bit disappointed because he thought we said this exhibit was about Mighty Machines not Amazing Machines.  I personally found the Henri-Maillardet-Automaton machine the most interesting.  It's crazy how a machine can draw better than I can, okay not that amazing when a 5 year old can draw better but you get my point.  

By the time we finished the second floor it was time to watch the Dinosaur movie.  The nice part about the Dinosaur movie is that it was only 20 minutes long and Tavish loved it.  I personally did not find it the best example of 3D cinematography but really what was I expecting. 

Franklyn Institute - Electricity and Flying

When my husband finally convinced me to leave the Giant Heart Exhibit we moved on to Electricity.  This exhibit was shocking - literary - beware the electrostatic ball and passing a camera to your husband (I thought the shock it created wrecked our camera thankfully it was just a shock).  Our whole family has enjoyed this exhibit.  I could not get my husband on the disco dance floor but Tavish and I enjoyed it.  Lots of games and other hands on activities.  I just love this museum.

How much electricity does a magnet create?

Callen's electric stare

Next we moved on to the Franklyn Air Show which was really interesting.  This exhibit is best to hit early in the morning as there are lots of fun hands on activities that could get packed up later in the day.  There are a few extra activities here that looked like fun but cost extra and have height requirements (fighter pilot and flight simulators) but non of our kids met the requirement maybe next time.

Air show time

Tavish loved flying the kite plane

Don't crash

Windy wings

Training on the simulator

Now for the real thing (not really)

Franklyn Institute - Heart to Heart

The Franklyn Institute was the highlight of our trip to Philly.  Ever sense I saw the giant heart on an episode of House I knew I had to go here.  How cool is a giant heart which you can walk though (can you tell I'm a bio geek).  Neither the giant heart or the Franklyn Institute disappointed me.

Of course the first thing we had to see was the Giant Heart.  While the walk though Giant Heart is the big attraction there was so much more to see and do at this exhibit.  I think what Tavish enjoyed the most was the Bloodmobile video (we are HUGE They Might Be Giants fans).  The best part of this museum is there is how much there is to play with.  I'm a big kid and I like to explore all the touch stuff (more adult friendly than the Children's Museum).  Loved this exhibit can't wait to go back.

The Giant Heart

Tavish was a bit scared but as long as he was with dad he did okay

Smile (what a terrible picture)

How much blood do you have?

Bloodmobile

Get that Cardiovascular system going